Eichstätt, what a beautiful city, with what a special “atmosphere,” with what potential for cooperation in science, industry, church, and sophisticated tourism! To realize this potential, we need to “show” it, make it recognizable and visible, bring it out of hiding and into the realm of the seven senses — that is, make it something people can experience and feel. That’s a challenge we want to contribute to, simply as one possible example. So we brought a top-tier conference to Eichstätt, one we have previously held in Athens, Lisbon, and Paris, among other places. The decisive part of the conference was the shared dinner on the evening of June 25, 2026 — the breaking of bread and sharing of wine, or, well, pretzels and beer. Because that's what makes possible what it's really all about: a genuine “encounter” while enjoying regional delicacies.

This significant Baroque building was constructed according to the designs of Gabriel de Gabrieli, the prince-bishop's court architect, and impressed us immediately upon entering with its magnificent dome, whose richly colored ceiling fresco by Johann Georg Bergmüller is regarded as the artist's chief sacred work in Eichstätt. For this, we received an expert introduction by a knowledgeable guide, so that we could unlock and grasp its full beauty. Because looking alone only gets you so far. For us laypeople, much of it looks the same at first, and only becomes visible through the right lens — through distinctions that, like invisible ink, reveal their secret once properly illuminated. What's needed, then, is an "eye-opener" — someone who knows how to help us recognize what's actually there, so that we move from being "blind" to "seeing." We sensed the place and gave ourselves over entirely to its "atmosphere," in order to understand it a little more deeply. Because "atmospheres" themselves act like lenses, allowing particular insights to be understood.

Then we headed outside, into the equally enchanting "Biotope Garden of the Senses," with its little teahouse, the pond, the fountain, the rustic wooden table, and the fragrant flora and fauna, where we let our senses be seduced (or stimulated). There, we enjoyed a cool, tingling glass of sparkling wine with a proper Obatzda on pretzel rolls — "the" quintessential Bavarian specialty combo. Here the wit and cosmopolitanism of the locals shows itself, for without French Camembert and Hungarian paprika, this most Bavarian of specialties wouldn't exist.

The third course took us along Pfahlstraße and Ritter-von-Hofer-Weg, past the Kneipp basin, the playground, and the Inselbad, to the Kapellbuck. What a magical place, with what an atmosphere! It's as if, behind the chapel, one dives into another world entirely. Instantly, it feels as though you've arrived on holiday. Perhaps that's why some longtime Eichstätt locals call it the "Little Venice of the Altmühltal Nature Park." A sense of calm settles over us. And we simply enjoy watching the trout swim. Feeding is allowed! To round out the pleasure, there's a delicious trout cream conjured up by Schagg & Angelina (from the wonderful excursion spot "Angelinas Altmühlrast" in Pfalzpaint) using trout from the Lang trout farm in Regelmannsbrunn. Or, alternatively for the veggie option, a lentil cream from the organic farm of Andrea & Franz-Josef Mayer in Preith. With this, we'll drink a fresh white wine, provided by Angelika & Georg Fieger from their studio (open for the KODOKUSHI & TONARI exhibitions).

Thus fortified, for the fifth course we head directly via Büttelgasse (very quietly, so as not to frighten off any magical creatures), Traubengäßchen, the Marktplatz, and Pfarrgasse to the Domplatz, the vibrant heart of Eichstätt, right in front of the imposing cathedral, which — after five years of painstaking renovation — now makes accessible a sense of the "sanctity" and spiritual depth of Eichstätt, as it has developed over centuries of monastic life. Here we'll have Franconian bratwurst from the charcoal grill, an absolute delicacy that makes it hard to stop at just one. Franconian? Yes — until the early seventies, Eichstätt was still part of Middle Franconia, which is why the finest treats of both Franconia and Bavaria can be enjoyed here. The bratwurst comes from master craftsman Andreas Blob of the Ziegelhütte, another one of those wonderful, beautifully situated excursion destinations of outstanding quality. Alongside the bratwurst there's coleslaw, herb yogurt, and various other delicacies lovingly prepared by our host, Eitel von Maur, himself, using ingredients from the Eichstätt organic farmers Daum and Mayer, as well as the crowning achievement of the baker's art: the large Altmühltal loaf from Martin Schneller. The trip would be worth it for this bread alone. Naturally, the veggies among us had not to go hungry at the Domplatz either — they'll be deliciously catered for, among other things from Brigitte Zinsmeister’s “Herb Witch's Kitchen”. It's wonderful to witness how a Bavarian vegan cuisine is gradually taking shape. The absolute pinnacle, the crown of creation, is the local beer from Michael Gutmann — surely the best wheat beer in the world! Ah, it tastes wonderful and makes you want to come back again and again.

Rounding off the meal at the Domplatz are tartelettes from the patisserie of Rebecca Böhm (Occa and Chocolatique) and an espresso from Annalena Frey (Altstadtcafé).

• “Eichstätt is the most beautiful place we've ever seen with so many impressing kind people! We'll come back soon!”
• “Thanks again for such an amazing conference. I can honestly say that it was the best conference I have ever been to.”
• “My grad students were absolutely thrilled about the conference. Eichstätt is now “on the map”—that’s for sure. Thank you so much for organizing and hosting; it’s so valuable in these times to give people something that makes them believe again in the “cause” of philosophy and academia.”
• “Thank you so much once again for organizing this wonderful conference in such a beautiful location!”
• “It is truly moving to discover all that Eichstätt’s philosophical and cultural life, with its magnificent landscapes and Baroque churches. My friend couldn’t believe it when I told her all the details of the evening, the different stages and the celebration. It was a great joy to be among you. Your board, which I have come to know over these past three years, was truly extraordinary and did so much to create the unique, warm, and joyful atmosphere of this conference: a big congratulations for that as well!”
• “Thank you so much for taking the lead on and organizing such a lovely conference! It’s truly the best of its kind.”
• “Thanks once again for the beautiful walking tour and delicious food. We really felt welcome and it nurtured the community feeling.”
• …